Liberty Pole Lighting, Fireworks and Family Ice Skating Night

Light Up The Holidays Downtown!

Saturday, Dec. 3, Join us as we kick off the holiday season with this annual downtown family celebration. It begins with one of Rochester's favorite traditions: the lighting of the Liberty Pole. Afterwards, the crowd becomes a moving parade as Prime Time Brass leads the way with holiday music to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. The official start of Rochester's outdoor ice-skating season is at the park's rink and club house.Fireworks will be launched at the ice rink!

From 4:30 to 5:10 p.m. join us to watch a holiday performance by the UPrep Band and Prime Time Brass for another time-tested tradition unique to Rochester as Mayor Lovely A. Warren switches on the lights of the Liberty Pole just outside the Sibley Building. Holiday costumed characters including Santa, his elf, Rudolph and friends will be available for photo ops!

Free Parking available in the East End, Washington Square, and Mortimer Street Garages and on area streets.

Join a Holiday Parade

From 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. children, parents and well-wishers will follow Mayor Warren, Santa and his elf, Rudolph and the Rochester Fire Department’s hook and ladder fire truck to the music of Prime Time Brass in a procession from the Liberty Pole to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink. Participants may choose to catch a ride on an ole’ time trolley to the rink or to area parking garages.

Season Opening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink

At approximately 5:30 p.m., the parade-goers will be greeted with ground fireworks at the ice rink. The evening will also feature FREE open skate to holiday DJ music provided by Beal’s Rock and Roll Review 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Bring your own skates, if at all possible, as there is very limited skate rental for $3 per person. Photo ID is required) Other attractions include free horse-drawn wagon rides, kids' craft activities in the lodge and a 30-foot, fully-decorated holiday tree. Fee for refreshment and food purchases.

Parking

FREE trolley rides may be taken back to nearby parking from the rink until 8:30 p.m. FREE Parking is available at the East End Garage, 475 E. Main St.; Washington Square Garage, 111 Woodbury Blvd; and Mortimer Street Garage, 25 Clinton Ave North between Mortimer St & Division St.